Polypropylene composition

ABSTRACT

New polypropylene composition which combines low sealing initiation temperature (SIT), high hot-tack, good optical properties, like low haze and its use, and improved stiffness/impact balance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/074543, filed on Sep. 12, 2018, which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 17192035.8, filed on Sep. 20, 2017. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a new polypropylene composition which combines low sealing initiation temperature (SIT), high hot-tack, good optical properties, like low haze, and improved stiffness/impact balance.

The present invention is furthermore related to the use of the polypropylene composition and articles made therefrom.

Polypropylenes are Suitable for Many Applications

For instance polypropylene (PP) is applicable in areas where sealing properties play an important role, like in the food or medical packing industry.

Heat sealing is the predominant method of manufacturing flexible and semi-rigid packages. An important indication of good sealing performance is inter alia a low seal initiation temperature (SIT), which is needed to support high speed on packaging machines.

To ensure fast sealing, a low SIT is of advantage. By operating at lower temperature there is the benefit that the article to be sealed is not exposed to high temperatures. There are also economic advantages since lower temperatures are of course cheaper to generate and maintain.

There are further advantages by avoiding high sealing temperatures, especially when temperature sensitive goods are to be packed.

Particularly demanding applications of films, like form and fill packaging require, besides low seal initiation temperature, good hot-tack properties. Hot-tack is the bonding strength measurable while the polymer in the heat sealed portion of a film is in a semi-molten/solidifying state.

This bonding strength is expressed here and hereafter in the hot tack force (N) needed to tear apart sealed layers. The hot-tack is generally an important factor to improve the efficiency of a packaging production process.

Additionally, it is also desired to have a packaging material with satisfying optical properties, such as low haze.

Another desired property of such material is a high or better excellent stiffness/impact balance.

Furthermore packaged goods, like packaged food or medicals, needs to withstand a sterilization step, like steam sterilization. Steam sterilization is normally operated under a temperature of more than 120° C., like 121° C. This means that the melting temperature of the packaging film needs to be significantly higher, like more than 125° C., preferably more than 130° C.

All film manufacturers, whether making multilayer or monolayer films are looking to maximise the properties of the film it produces. Maximisation of properties is normally easier with multilayer films as each layer can be tailored to provide a particular attribute of need. It is common for example to use an outer layer which can give rise to good sealing properties whilst a core layer might be used to provide mechanical strength to a film. Moreover, when using a multilayer construction, incompatibility between film components can be avoided by placing these in separate layers.

When a film is mono-layered however, the options available to the film manufacturer are much more limited. It is currently very difficult to prepare monolayer films having optimal properties, e.g. good mechanical and processing properties and the person skilled in the art is therefore looking for new films which can provide improvements to these. Especially problematic are optical properties as the more components used in a monolayer film, the higher the haze value of the film tends to be.

The problem faced by the film manufacturer is that by trying to improving one property, another equally important property tends to be detrimentally affected. There are also real problems of compatibility between different polymers in a monolayer construction where all components are extruded together as a blend. If polymer components are not compatible, inhomogeneity is evident in the formed film which is unacceptable for the manufacturer and consumer. This limits still further the parameters which the film chemist can manipulate.

Several attempts have been made to solve the problems mentioned above.

US 20050142367 proposes to use a blend of a propylene-1-butene-ethylene terpolymer with a metallocene catalyzed ethylene polymer for a heat sealable skin layer of a three-layer BOPP film to provide low seal initiation temperature (SIT) and good hot-tack properties.

The metallocene catalyzed ethylene polymer can have a melt flow rate (MFR₂; 190° C., 2.16 kg) in the range of from 2.0 to 7.5 g/10 min and a density in the range of from 0.878 to 0.900 g/cm³.

The propylene-1-butene-ethylene terpolymer used in the examples contains a relatively high amount of comonomers, namely 1.1 wt % (i.e. 1.7 mol %) of ethylene and 20.0 wt % (i.e. 16.2 mol %) of 1-butene.

The melting point of such compositions will be by far too low in order to withstand steam sterilization at >120° C. In addition the SIT is too low as well (71-93° C.), which also creates problems in steam sterilization.

Stiffness/impact as well as optical properties like haze are not mentioned.

According to WO 2011064119 the hot tack strength values obtained in the Examples of US 20050142367 are lower than about 2.5 N (i.e. 250 g/in) and at about 99° C. the hot tack strength is lower than 2.0 N (i.e. 200 g/in).

That is why WO 2011064119 proposes polyolefin compositions useful in the preparation of heat-sealable films, containing propylene copolymers and other polyolefin components, in particular polyolefin compositions comprising, all percentages being by weight:

a) from 60 to 94% of one or more copolymers of propylene with one or more comonomers selected from ethylene, a C4-C8 alpha-olefin and combinations thereof, where the comonomer, or comonomers, content in (a) is from 5 to 25%, preferably from 7 to 20%;

b) from 2 to 20% of one or more homo or copolymers of butene-1 and

c) from 1 to 20% of an elastomeric or plastomeric polyolefin or polyolefin composition.

The films produced are again bi-axially oriented 3-layer films.

Disadvantages of the compositions of WO 2011064119 are that the hot-tack which is achieved with at least 3 components in the composition is too low and the melting points of such compositions will be by far too low in order to withstand steam sterilization at >120° C. In addition the SIT is too low as well (<70° C.) which creates problems in steam sterilization as well. Stiffness/impact properties like are not mentioned.

WO 2016091923 discloses films based on a blend of a propylene copolymer and an ethylene based plastomer with sealing initiation temperature (SIT) of at most 140° C. The Examples shown in WO 2016091923 use propylene-ethylene copolymers and ethylene based plastomer with a melt flow rate (MFR₂; 190° C., 2.16 kg) up to 10.0 g/10 min. The films prepared with these blends after surface treatment using a Corona Generator G20S show a sealing initiation temperature (SIT) at which the seal strength has reached 1.5 N in the range of from 127° C. to 138° C. This is by far too high.

No values for stiffness/impact, hot-tack and haze are indicated.

Also EP 3031849 discloses films based on a blend of a propylene copolymer and an ethylene based plastomer, the films having a haze according to ASTM D1003 for a film thickness of 50 μm of at most 2.0%.

The examples shown in EP 3031849 use propylene-ethylene copolymers and ethylene based plastomer with a melt flow rate (MFR₂; 190° C., 2.16 kg) up to 10.0 g/10 min, the films are again after surface treated using a Corona Generator G20S.

No values for hot-tack and sealing initiation temperature (SIT) are indicated, but based on the compositions shown in the examples, SIT is expected to be by far too high (>130° C.)

However, although much development work has already been done in the field of films suitable for different kinds of packaging, the films as disclosed in the prior art still do not provide a sufficient balance of low sealing initiation temperature (SIT) in combination with high hot-tack, improved optics and improved stiffness/impact balance, which are in addition suitable for sterilization, so that there exists a need for novel and improved film structures, providing films with improved sealing behaviour, i.e. lower sealing initiation temperature (SIT) and higher hot-tack force, in combination with improved optics, improved stiffness/impact balance and high melting temperature.

Surprisingly the inventors found, that the above problems can be solved with the use of a blend comprising a specific propylene terpolymer and an ethylene based plastomer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a polypropylene composition comprising

(A) a blend of

(a) 60.0 to 96.0 wt %, based on the blend, of a propylene terpolymer comprising

(i) ethylene-derived comonomer units in an amount of from 0.3 to 4.0 wt % and

(ii) comonomer units derived from a C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin in an amount of from 4.0 to 16.0 wt %, whereby the terpolymer has an MFR₂ (230° C., 2.16 kg, ISO1133) in a range of 0.5 to 20.0 g/10 min and

(b) 4.0 to 40.0 wt %, based on the blend, of an ethylene based plastomer having a density according to ISO 1183 of from 0.850 g/cm³ to 0.900 g/cm³ and an MFR₂ according to ISO 1133 (190° C.; 2.16 kg) in the range of 0.1 to below 5.0 g/10 min, and

(B) optional one or more additives in a total amount of from 0.0 up to 5.0 wt %, based on the composition, selected from the group comprising slip agents, anti-block agents, UV stabilizers, alpha and/or beta nucleating agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants.

It has surprisingly been found out that such compositions have an optimized or improved sealing behaviour, i.e. low sealing initiation temperature SIT and high hot-tack, in combination with beneficial optical properties, excellent stiffness/impact balance and high melting temperature.

In an embodiment of the present invention the propylene terpolymer (a) is obtainable, preferably obtained, in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

In another embodiment the present invention is related to a monolayer film made of the above identified composition.

In a further aspect the present invention is related to the use of the mono-layer films according to the invention for lamination or mono- or multilayer films for packaging films and medical/hygienic films.

As alternative in one further aspect the present invention is related to the use of the monolayer films according to the invention as sealing layer in a polypropylene multi-layer film, which can be manufactured either by co-extrusion or lamination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following the individual components are defined in more detail.

The polypropylene composition of the present inventions comprises (A) a blend of

(a) a propylene terpolymer and

(b) an ethylene based plastomer

Component (a) Propylene Terpolymer

The propylene terpolymer used in the polypropylene composition of the invention is a random terpolymer and comprises at least ethylene as first comonomer and a C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin as the second comonomer.

Accordingly the propylene terpolymer comprises units derived from propylene and from ethylene and from one further α-olefin selected from the group consisting of C₄-α-olefin, C₅-α-olefin, C₆-α-olefin, C₇-α-olefin, C₈-α-olefin and C₁₀-α-olefin.

More preferably the propylene terpolymer comprises units derived from propylene and from ethylene and one other α-olefin selected from the group consisting of 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene and 1-decene, wherein 1-butene and 1-hexene are even more preferred.

It is in particular preferred that the propylene terpolymer consists of units derived from propylene, ethylene and 1-butene or from propylene, ethylene and 1-hexene.

Most preferred the propylene terpolymer consists of units derived from propylene, ethylene and 1-butene.

The propylene terpolymer used in the polypropylene composition according to this invention is featured by a moderate to low comonomer content.

Accordingly the propylene terpolymer used in the polypropylene composition according to this invention shall have an ethylene content of at least 0.3 wt %.

Thus it is preferred that the propylene terpolymer has an ethylene content in the range of from 0.3 wt % to 4.0 wt %, more preferably in the range of from 0.4 to 3.5 wt %, still more preferably in the range of from 0.5 to 3.0 wt %, especially in the range of from 1.0-2.5 wt %. Moreover, the propylene terpolymer shall have a C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin, preferably a C₄ or C₆ α-olefin comonomer content of at least 4.0 wt %.

Thus it is preferred that the propylene terpolymer has an C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin, preferably a C₄ or C₆ α-olefin comonomer content in the range of from 4.0 to 16.0 wt %, more preferably in the range of from 4.5 to 14.0 wt %, still more preferably in the range of from 5.0 to 12.0 wt %, especially in the range of from 6.0 to 10.0 wt %.

Preferably the terpolymer has a rather high content of propylene (C3), i.e. at least 83.0 wt %, i.e. equal or more than 86.0 wt %, more preferably equal or more than 88.0 wt %, yet more preferably equal or more than 90.0 wt %, like equal or more than 91.0 wt %.

The propylene terpolymer has a melt flow rate MFR₂ (230° C.) measured according to ISO 1133 in the range of from 0.5 to 20.0 g/10 min, preferably in the range of from 0.8 to 15.0 g/10 min, more preferably in the range of from 1.0 to 10.0 g/10 min, still more preferably in range of from 1.2 to 8.0 g/10 min and yet more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 5.0 g/10 min.

Alternatively the propylene terpolymer can be defined by the xylene cold soluble (XCS) content measured according to ISO 6427. Accordingly the propylene terpolymer is preferably featured by a xylene cold soluble (XCS) content of below 20.0 wt %, more preferably of below 15.0 wt %. Thus it is in particular appreciated that the propylene terpolymer has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) content in the range of 3.0 to below 20.0 wt %, more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 15.0 wt % and most preferably in the range of 5.0 to 12.0 wt %.

Alternatively the propylene terpolymer can be defined by the melting temperature (Tm) measured via DSC according to ISO 11357. Accordingly the propylene terpolymer preferably has a melting temperature Tm of equal or higher than 130° C. Even more preferable the melting temperature Tm is in the range of 130° C. to 145° C., most preferably in the range of 132° C. to 140° C.

The crystallisation temperature measured via DSC according to ISO 11357 of the propylene terpolymer should be equal or higher than 85° C., preferably in the range of 85° C. to 100° C., and even more preferably in the range of 90° C. to 100° C.

The propylene terpolymer can be further unimodal or multimodal, like bimodal in view of the molecular weight distribution and/or the comonomer content distribution; both unimodal and bimodal propylene terpolymers are equally preferred.

If the propylene terpolymer is unimodal, it is preferably produced in a single polymerization step in one polymerization reactor (R1). Alternatively a unimodal propylene terpolymer can be produced in a sequential polymerization process using the same polymerization conditions in all reactors.

If the propylene terpolymer is multimodal, it is preferably produced in a sequential polymerization process using different polymerization conditions (amount of comonomer, hydrogen amount, etc.) in the reactors.

The propylene terpolymer can be produced by polymerization in the presence of any conventional coordination catalyst system including Ziegler-Natta, chromium and single site (like metallocene catalyst), preferably the propylene terpolymer is produced in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system.

The propylene terpolymer can be produced in a single polymerization step comprising a single polymerization reactor (R1) or in a sequential polymerization process comprising at least two polymerization reactors (R1) and (R2), whereby in the first polymerization reactor (R1) a first propylene polymer fraction (R-PP1) is produced, which is subsequently transferred into the second polymerization reactor (R2). In the second polymerization reactor (R2) a second propylene polymer fraction (R-PP2) is then produced in the presence of the first propylene polymer fraction (R-PP1).

If the propylene terpolymer is produced in at least two polymerization reactors (R1) and (R2), it is possible that

i) in the first reactor (R1) a propylene homopolymer and in the second reactor (R2) a propylene terpolymer is produced, yielding the propylene terpolymer (a) or

ii) in the first reactor (R1) a propylene-ethylene copolymer and in the second reactor (R2) a propylene C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin copolymer is produced, yielding the propylene terpolymer (a) or iii) in the first reactor (R1) a propylene C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin copolymer and in the second reactor (R2) a propylene-ethylene copolymer is produced, yielding the propylene terpolymer (a) or iv) in the first reactor (R1) a propylene terpolymer and in the second reactor (R2) a propylene terpolymer is produced, yielding the propylene terpolymer (a).

Polymerization processes which are suitable for producing the propylene terpolymer generally comprises one or two polymerization stages and each stage can be carried out in solution, slurry, fluidized bed, bulk or gas phase.

The term “polymerization reactor” shall indicate that the main polymerization takes place. Thus in case the process consists of one or two polymerization reactors, this definition does not exclude the option that the overall system comprises for instance a pre-polymerization step in a pre-polymerization reactor. The term “consist of” is only a closing formulation in view of the main polymerization reactors.

The term “sequential polymerization process” indicates that the propylene terpolymer is produced in at least two reactors connected in series. Accordingly such a polymerization system comprises at least a first polymerization reactor (R1) and a second polymerization reactor (R2), and optionally a third polymerization reactor (R3).

The first, respectively the single, polymerization reactor (R1) is preferably a slurry reactor and can be any continuous or simple stirred batch tank reactor or loop reactor operating in bulk or slurry. Bulk means a polymerization in a reaction medium that comprises of at least 60% (w/w) monomer. According to the present invention the slurry reactor is preferably a (bulk) loop reactor.

In case a “sequential polymerization process” is applied the second polymerization reactor (R2) and the optional third polymerization reactor (R3) are gas phase reactors (GPRs), i.e. a first gas phase reactor (GPR1) and a second gas phase reactor (GPR2). A gas phase reactor (GPR) according to this invention is preferably a fluidized bed reactor, a fast fluidized bed reactor or a settled bed reactor or any combination thereof.

A preferred multistage process is a “loop-gas phase”-process, such as developed by Borealis (known as BORSTAR® technology) described e.g. in patent literature, such as in EP 0 887 379, WO 92/12182, WO 2004/000899, WO 2004/111095, WO 99/24478, WO 99/24479 or in WO 00/68315.

A further suitable slurry-gas phase process is the Spheripol® process of Basell.

Preferably the propylene terpolymer (a) according to this invention is produced in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

The Ziegler-Natta catalyst is fed into the first, respectively the single, polymerization reactor (R1) and is optionally transferred with the polymer (slurry) obtained in the first polymerization reactor (R1) into the subsequent reactors, if the propylene terpolymer is produced in a sequential polymerization process.

If the process covers also a pre-polymerization step it is preferred that all of the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is fed in the pre-polymerization reactor. Subsequently the pre-polymerization product containing the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is transferred into the first, respectively the single, polymerization reactor (R1).

This Ziegler-Natta catalyst can be any stereo-specific Ziegler-Natta catalyst for propylene polymerization, which preferably is capable of catalysing the polymerization and copolymerization of propylene and comonomers at a pressure of 500 to 10000 kPa, in particular 2500 to 8000 kPa, and at a temperature of 40 to 110° C., in particular of 60 to 110° C. Preferably, the Ziegler-Natta catalyst (ZN-C) comprises a high-yield Ziegler-Natta type catalyst including an internal donor component, which can be used at high polymerization temperatures of 80° C. or more.

Such high-yield Ziegler-Natta catalyst (ZN-C) can comprise a succinate, a diether, a phthalate etc., or mixtures therefrom as internal donor (ID) and are for example commercially available for example from LyondellBasell under the Avant ZN trade name.

Further useful solid catalysts are also those disclosed in WO-A-2003/000757, WO-A-2003/000754, WO-A-2004/029112 and WO2007/137853. These catalysts are solid catalysts of spherical particles with compact structure and low surface area of the particles. Further, these catalysts are featured by a uniform distribution of catalytically active sites thorough the catalyst particles. Catalysts are prepared by emulsion-solidification method, where no external support is needed. The dispersed phase in the form of liquid droplets of the emulsion forms the catalyst part, which is transformed to solid catalyst particles during the solidification step.

Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, the solid catalyst component is prepared by a process comprising:

-   -   preparing a solution of magnesium complex by reacting an alkoxy         magnesium compound and an electron donor or a precursor thereof         in a C₆-C₁₀ aromatic liquid reaction medium;     -   reacting said magnesium complex with a four valent titanium         compound, preferably TiCl₄, at a temperature greater than 10° C.         and less than 50° C. to produce an emulsion of a denser,         dispersed phase having Ti/Mg mol ratio 0.1 to 10 and in a         continuous phase having Ti/Mg mol ratio 10 to 100; and     -   agitating the emulsion, optionally in the presence of an         emulsion stabilizer and/or a turbulence minimizing agent, in         order to maintain the droplets of said dispersed phase within an         average size range of 5 to 200 μm.

The catalyst particles are obtained after solidifying said droplets of the dispersed phase by heating, preferably at a temperature from 80° C. to 110° C. In said process an aluminium alkyl compound of the formula AIR3-nXn, where R is an alkyl and/or an alkoxy group of 1 to 20, preferably of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, X is a halogen and n is 0, 1 or 2, is added and brought into contact with the droplets of the dispersed phase of the agitated emulsion. Alternatively, the aluminium alkyl compound of the formula AIR3-nXn, is brought into contact with the solidified particles at the washing step before recovering the final solid particles.

Suitable internal electron donors are, among others, (di)esters of aromatic (di)carboxylic acids. Said aromatic carboxylic acid ester or diester can be formed in situ by reaction of an aromatic carboxylic acid chloride or diacid chloride with a C₂-C₁₆ alkanol and/or diol, and is preferable di-2-ethyl-hexyl phthalate.

A further suitable catalyst for the present invention is a solid Ziegler-Natta catalyst, which comprises compounds of a transition metal of Group 4 to 6 of IUPAC, like titanium, a Group 2 metal compound, like a magnesium, and an internal donor being a non-phthalic compound, more preferably a non-phthalic acid ester, still more preferably being a diester of non-phthalic dicarboxylic acids as described in more detail below. Further, the solid catalyst is free of any external support material, like silica or MgCl2, but the catalyst is self-supported.

This Ziegler-Natta catalyst can be further defined by the way as obtained.

Accordingly, the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is preferably obtained by a process comprising the steps of

a)

a1) providing a solution of at least a Group 2 metal alkoxy compound (Ax) being the reaction product of a Group 2 metal compound and a monohydric alcohol (A) comprising in addition to the hydroxyl moiety at least one ether moiety optionally in an organic liquid reaction medium; or

a2) a solution of at least a Group 2 metal alkoxy compound (Ax′) being the reaction product of a Group 2 metal compound and an alcohol mixture of the monohydric alcohol (A) and a monohydric alcohol (B) of formula ROH, optionally in an organic liquid reaction medium; or

a3) providing a solution of a mixture of the Group 2 alkoxy compound (Ax) and a Group 2 metal alkoxy compound (Bx) being the reaction product of a Group 2 metal compound and the monohydric alcohol (B), optionally in an organic liquid reaction medium; or

a4) providing a solution of Group 2 alkoxide of formula M(OR1)n(OR2)mX2-n-m or mixture of Group 2 alkoxides M(OR1)n′X2-n′ and M(OR2)m′X2-m′, where M is Group 2 metal, X is halogen, R1 and R2 are different alkyl groups with C2 to C16 carbon atoms, and 0<n<2, 0<m<2 and n+m+(2−n−m)=2, provided that both n and m≠0, 0<n′<2 and 0<m′<2; and b) adding said solution from step a) to at least one compound of a transition metal of Group 4 to 6 and

c) obtaining the solid catalyst component particles,

and adding a non-phthalic internal donor, at any step prior to step c).

The internal donor or precursor thereof is added preferably to the solution of step a).

According to the procedure above the Ziegler-Natta catalyst can be obtained via precipitation method or via emulsion (liquid/liquid two-phase system)—solidification method depending on the physical conditions, especially temperature used in steps b) and c).

In both methods (precipitation or emulsion-solidification) the catalyst chemistry is the same.

In precipitation method combination of the solution of step a) with at least one transition metal compound in step b) is carried out and the whole reaction mixture is kept at least at 50° C., more preferably in the temperature range of 55° C. to 110° C., more preferably in the range of 70° C. to 100° C., to secure full precipitation of the catalyst component in form of a solid particles (step c).

In emulsion—solidification method in step b) the solution of step a) is typically added to the at least one transition metal compound at a lower temperature, such as from −10° C. to below 50° C., preferably from −5° C. to 30° C. During agitation of the emulsion the temperature is typically kept at −10 to below 40° C., preferably from −5° C. to 30° C. Droplets of the dispersed phase of the emulsion form the active catalyst composition. Solidification (step c) of the droplets is suitably carried out by heating the emulsion to a temperature of 70° C. to 150° C., preferably to 80° C. to 110° C.

The catalyst prepared by emulsion—solidification method is preferably used in the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment in step a) the solution of a2) or a3) are used, i.e. a solution of (Ax′) or a solution of a mixture of (Ax) and (Bx).

Preferably the Group 2 metal is magnesium.

The magnesium alkoxy compounds (Ax), (Ax′) and (Bx) can be prepared in situ in the first step of the catalyst preparation process, step a), by reacting the magnesium compound with the alcohol(s) as described above, or said magnesium alkoxy compounds can be separately prepared magnesium alkoxy compounds or they can be even commercially available as ready magnesium alkoxy compounds and used as such in the catalyst preparation process of the invention.

Illustrative examples of alcohols (A) are monoethers of dihydric alcohols (glycol monoethers). Preferred alcohols (A) are C2 to C4 glycol monoethers, wherein the ether moieties comprise from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Preferred examples are 2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)ethanol, 2-butyloxy ethanol, 2-hexyloxy ethanol and 1,3-propylene-glycol-monobutyl ether, 3-butoxy-2-propanol, with 2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)ethanol and 1,3-propylene-glycol-monobutyl ether, 3-butoxy-2-propanol being particularly preferred.

Illustrative monohydric alcohols (B) are of formula ROH, with R being a straight-chain or branched C₆-C₁₀ alkyl residue. The most preferred monohydric alcohol is 2-ethyl-1-hexanol or octanol.

Preferably a mixture of Mg alkoxy compounds (Ax) and (Bx) or mixture of alcohols (A) and (B), respectively, are used and employed in a mole ratio of Bx:Ax or B:A from 8:1 to 2:1, more preferably 5:1 to 3:1.

Magnesium alkoxy compound may be a reaction product of alcohol(s), as defined above, and a magnesium compound selected from dialkyl magnesiums, alkyl magnesium alkoxides, magnesium dialkoxides, alkoxy magnesium halides and alkyl magnesium halides. Alkyl groups can be a similar or different C1-C20 alkyl, preferably C2-C10 alkyl. Typical alkyl-alkoxy magnesium compounds, when used, are ethyl magnesium butoxide, butyl magnesium pentoxide, octyl magnesium butoxide and octyl magnesium octoxide. Preferably the dialkyl magnesiums are used. Most preferred dialkyl magnesiums are butyl octyl magnesium or butyl ethyl magnesium.

It is also possible that magnesium compound can react in addition to the alcohol (A) and alcohol (B) also with a polyhydric alcohol (C) of formula R″(OH)m to obtain said magnesium alkoxide compounds. Preferred polyhydric alcohols, if used, are alcohols, wherein R″ is a straight-chain, cyclic or branched C₂ to C₁₀ hydrocarbon residue, and m is an integer of 2 to 6.

The magnesium alkoxy compounds of step a) are thus selected from the group consisting of magnesium dialkoxides, diaryloxy magnesiums, alkyloxy magnesium halides, aryloxy magnesium halides, alkyl magnesium alkoxides, aryl magnesium alkoxides and alkyl magnesium aryloxides. In addition a mixture of magnesium dihalide and a magnesium dialkoxide can be used.

The solvents to be employed for the preparation of the present catalyst may be selected among aromatic and aliphatic straight chain, branched and cyclic hydrocarbons with 5 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof. Suitable solvents include benzene, toluene, cumene, xylol, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane and nonane. Hexanes and pentanes are particular preferred.

Mg compound is typically provided as a 10 to 50 wt % solution in a solvent as indicated above. Typical commercially available Mg compound, especially dialkyl magnesium solutions are 20-40 wt % solutions in toluene or heptanes.

The reaction for the preparation of the magnesium alkoxy compound may be carried out at a temperature of 40° C. to 70° C. Most suitable temperature is selected depending on the Mg compound and alcohol(s) used.

The transition metal compound of Group 4 to 6 is preferably a titanium compound, most preferably a titanium halide, like TiCl₄.

The non-phthalic internal donor that can be used in the preparation of the catalyst is preferably selected from (di)esters of non-phthalic carboxylic (di)acids, 1,3-diethers, derivatives and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred donors are diesters of mono-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, in particular esters belonging to a group comprising malonates, maleates, succinates, citraconates, glutarates, cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylates and benzoates, and any derivatives and/or mixtures thereof. Preferred examples are e.g. substituted maleates and citraconates, most preferably citraconates.

In emulsion method, the two phase liquid-liquid system may be formed by simple stirring and optionally adding (further) solvent(s) and additives, such as the turbulence minimizing agent (TMA) and/or the emulsifying agents and/or emulsion stabilizers, like surfactants, which are used in a manner known in the art for facilitating the formation of and/or stabilize the emulsion.

Preferably, surfactants are acrylic or methacrylic polymers. Particular preferred are unbranched C₁₂ to C₂₀ (meth)acrylates such as poly(hexadecyl)-methacrylate and poly(octadecyl)-methacrylate and mixtures thereof. Turbulence minimizing agent (TMA), if used, is preferably selected from alpha-olefin polymers of alpha-olefin monomers with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, like polyoctene, polynonene, polydecene, polyundecene or polydodecene or mixtures thereof. Most preferable it is polydecene.

The solid particulate product obtained by precipitation or emulsion—solidification method may be washed at least once, preferably at least twice, most preferably at least three times with an aromatic and/or aliphatic hydrocarbons, preferably with toluene, heptane or pentane. The catalyst can further be dried, as by evaporation or flushing with nitrogen, or it can be slurried to an oily liquid without any drying step.

The finally obtained Ziegler-Natta catalyst is desirably in the form of particles having generally an average particle size range of 5 to 200 μm, preferably 10 to 100. Particles are compact with low porosity and have surface area below 20 g/m², more preferably below 10 g/m². Typically the amount of Ti is 1 to 6 wt %, Mg 10 to 20 wt % and donor 10 to 40 wt % of the catalyst composition.

Detailed description of preparation of catalysts is disclosed in WO 2012/007430, EP2610271, EP261027 and EP2610272.

The Ziegler-Natta catalyst is optionally modified by the so called BNT-technology during a pre-polymerization step in order to introduce a polymeric nucleating agent.

Such a polymeric nucleating agent is preferably a vinyl polymer, such as a vinyl polymer derived from monomers of the formula

CH₂═CH—CHR¹R²

wherein R¹ and R², together with the carbon atom they are attached to, form an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated or aromatic ring or a fused ring system, wherein the ring or fused ring moiety contains 4 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 12 membered saturated or unsaturated or aromatic ring or a fused ring system or independently represent a linear or branched C₄-C₃₀-alkane, C₄-C₂₀-cycloalkane or C₄-C₂₀-aromatic ring. Preferably R¹ and R², together with the C-atom wherein they are attached to, form a five- or six-membered saturated or unsaturated or aromatic ring or independently represent a lower alkyl group comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred vinyl compounds for the preparation of a polymeric nucleating agent to be used in accordance with the present invention are in particular vinyl cycloalkanes, in particular vinyl cyclohexane (VCH), vinyl cyclopentane, and vinyl-2-methyl cyclohexane, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3-ethyl-1-hexene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene or mixtures thereof. VCH is a particularly preferred monomer.

The weight ratio of vinyl compound to polymerization catalyst in the modification step of the polymerization catalyst preferably is 0.3 or more up to 40.0, such as 0.4 to 20.0 or more preferably 0.5 to 15.0, like 0.5 to 2.0.

The polymerization of the vinyl compound, e. g. VCH, can be done in any inert fluid that does not dissolve the polymer formed (e. g. polyVCH). It is important to make sure that the viscosity of the final catalyst/polymerized vinyl compound/inert fluid mixture is sufficiently high to prevent the catalyst particles from settling during storage and transport.

The adjustment of the viscosity of the mixture can be done either before or after the polymerization of the vinyl compound. It is, e. g., possible to carry out the polymerization in a low viscosity oil and after the polymerization of the vinyl compound the viscosity can be adjusted by addition of a highly viscous substance. Such highly viscous substance can be a “wax”, such as an oil or a mixture of an oil with a solid or highly viscous substance (oil-grease). The viscosity of such a viscous substance is usually 1,000 to 15,000 cP at room temperature. The advantage of using wax is that the catalyst storing and feeding into the process is improved. Since no washing, drying, sieving and transferring are needed, the catalyst activity is maintained.

The weight ratio between the oil and the solid or highly viscous polymer is preferably less than 5:1.

In addition to viscous substances, liquid hydrocarbons, such as isobutane, propane, pentane and hexane, can also be used as a medium in the modification step.

The polypropylenes produced with a catalyst modified with polymerized vinyl compounds contain essentially no free (unreacted) vinyl compounds. This means that the vinyl compounds shall be completely reacted in the catalyst modification step. To that end, the weight ratio of the (added) vinyl compound to the catalyst should be in the range of 0.05 to 10.0, preferably less than 3.0, more preferably about 0.1 to 2.0, and in particular about 0.1 to 1.5. It should be noted that no benefits are achieved by using vinyl compounds in excess.

Further, the reaction time of the catalyst modification by polymerization of a vinyl compound should be sufficient to allow for complete reaction of the vinyl monomer, i.e. the polymerization is continued until the amount of unreacted vinyl compounds in the reaction mixture (including the polymerization medium and the reactants) is less than 0.5 wt %, in particular less than 2000 ppm by weight (shown by analysis). Thus, when the pre-polymerized catalyst contains a maximum of about 0.1 wt % vinyl compound, the final vinyl compound content in the polypropylene will be below the limit of determination using the GC-MS method (<0.01 ppm by weight). Generally, when operating on an industrial scale, a polymerization time of at least 30 minutes is required, preferably the polymerization time is at least 1 hour and in particular at least 5 hours. Polymerization times even in the range of 6 to 50 hours can be used. The modification can be done at temperatures of 10° C. to 60° C., preferably 15° C. to 55° C.

General conditions for the modification of the catalyst are also disclosed in WO 00/6831, incorporated herein by reference with respect to the modification of the polymerization catalyst. The preferred embodiments as described previously in the present application with respect to the vinyl compound also apply with respect to the polymerization catalyst of the present invention and the preferred polypropylene composition in accordance with the present invention.

Suitable media for the modification step include, in addition to oils, also aliphatic inert organic solvents with low viscosity, such as pentane and heptane. Furthermore, small amounts of hydrogen can be used during the modification.

The Ziegler-Natta catalyst is preferably used in association with an alkyl aluminum cocatalyst and optionally external donors.

As further component in the instant polymerization process an external donor is preferably present. Suitable external donors include certain silanes, ethers, esters, amines, ketones, heterocyclic compounds and blends of these. It is especially preferred to use a silane. It is most preferred to use silanes of the general formula

R^(a) _(p)R^(b) _(q)Si(OR^(c))_((4-p-q))

wherein R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) denote a hydrocarbon radical, in particular an alkyl or cycloalkyl group, and wherein p and q are numbers ranging from 0 to 3 with their sum p+q being equal to or less than 3. R^(a), R^(b) and R^(c) can be chosen independently from one another and can be the same or different. Specific examples of such silanes are (tert-butyl)₂Si(OCH₃)₂, (cyclohexyl)(methyl)Si(OCH₃)₂, (phenyl)₂Si(OCH₃)₂ and (cyclopentyl)₂Si(OCH₃)₂, or of general formula

Si(OCH₂CH₃)₃(NR³R⁴)

wherein R³ and R⁴ can be the same or different a represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. It is in particular preferred that R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, octyl, decanyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl, iso-pentyl, tert.-butyl, tert.-amyl, neopentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl and cycloheptyl.

More preferably both R³ and R⁴ are the same, yet more preferably both R³ and R⁴ are an ethyl group.

Especially preferred external donors are the dicyclopentyl dimethoxy silane donor (D-donor) or the cyclohexylmethyl dimethoxy silane donor (C-Donor).

In addition to the Ziegler-Natta catalyst and the optional external donor, a co-catalyst can be used. The co-catalyst is preferably a compound of group 13 of the periodic table (IUPAC), e.g. organo aluminum, such as an aluminum compound, like aluminum alkyl, aluminum halide or aluminum alkyl halide compound. Accordingly, in one specific embodiment the co-catalyst is a trialkylaluminium, like triethylaluminium (TEAL), dialkyl aluminium chloride or alkyl aluminium dichloride or mixtures thereof. In one specific embodiment the co-catalyst is triethylaluminium (TEAL).

Preferably the ratio between the co-catalyst (Co) and the external donor (ED) [Co/ED] and/or the ratio between the co-catalyst (Co) and the transition metal (TM) [Co/TM] should be carefully chosen.

Accordingly,

(a) the mol-ratio of co-catalyst (Co) to external donor (ED) [Co/ED] must be in the range of from 5.0 to 45.0, preferably is in the range of from 5.0 to 35.0, more preferably is in the range of from 5.0 to 25.0; and optionally

(b) the mol-ratio of co-catalyst (Co) to titanium compound (TC) [Co/TC] must be in the range of above 80.0 to 500.0, preferably is in the range of from 100.0 to 350.0, still more preferably is in the range of from 120.0 to 300.0.

The propylene terpolymer used according to this invention is thus preferably produced in the presence of

(a) a Ziegler-Natta catalyst comprising an internal donor,

(b) optionally a co-catalyst (Co), and

(c) optionally an external donor (ED).

Component (b): Ethylene Based Plastomer

The ethylene based plastomer is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene or a C₄-C₁₀ alpha-olefin.

Suitable C₄-C₁₀ alpha-olefins include 1-butene, 1-hexene and 1-octene, preferably 1-butene or 1-octene and more preferably 1-octene.

Preferably copolymers of ethylene and 1-octene are used.

Suitable ethylene based plastomers have a density in the range of from 0.850 to 0.900 g/cm³, preferably in the range of from 0.860 to 0.885 g/cm³, more preferably in the range of from 0.860 to 0.880 g/cm³.

The MFR₂ (ISO 1133; 190° C.; 2.16 kg) of suitable ethylene based plastomers is in the range of from 0.1 to below 5.0 g/10 min, preferably in the range of from 0.2 to 4.0 g/10 min, more preferably in the range of from 0.3 to 3.0 g/10 min and even more preferably in the range of from 0.3 to 2.0 g/10 min, like 0.5 to 1.5 g/10 min.

The melting points (measured with DSC according to ISO 11357-3) of suitable ethylene based plastomers are below 130° C., preferably below 120° C., more preferably below 110° C. and most preferably below 100° C.

Furthermore suitable ethylene based plastomers can have a glass transition temperature Tg (measured with DMTA according to ISO 6721-7) of below −25° C., preferably below −30° C., more preferably below −35° C.

In case the copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene it has an ethylene content from 10.0 to 55.0 wt %, preferably from 10.0 to 45.0 wt %, more preferably from 10.0 to 35.0 wt %, yet more preferably from 10.0 to 25.0 wt % and even more preferably from 10.0 to 20.0 wt %.

In case the copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene and a C₄-C₁₀ alpha olefin it has an ethylene content from 60.0 to 95.0 wt %, preferably from 60.0 to 90.0 wt % and more preferably from 60.0 to 88.0 wt %.

The molecular mass distribution Mw/Mn of suitable ethylene based plastomers is most often below 4.0, such as 3.8 or below, but is at least 1.7. It is preferably between 3.5 and 1.8.

Suitable ethylene based plastomers can be any copolymer of ethylene and propylene or ethylene and C₄-C₁₀ alpha olefin having the above defined properties, which are commercial available, i.a. from Borealis under the tradename Queo, from DOW under the tradename Engage or Affinity, or from Mitsui under the tradename Tafmer.

Alternately these ethylene based plastomers can be prepared by known processes, in a one stage or two stage polymerization process, comprising solution polymerization, slurry polymerization, gas phase polymerization or combinations therefrom, in the presence of suitable catalysts, like vanadium oxide catalysts or single-site catalysts, e.g. metallocene or constrained geometry catalysts, known to the art skilled persons.

Preferably these ethylene based plastomers are prepared by a one stage or two stage solution polymerization process, especially by high temperature solution polymerization process at temperatures higher than 100° C.

Such process is essentially based on polymerizing the monomer and a suitable comonomer in a liquid hydrocarbon solvent in which the resulting polymer is soluble. The polymerization is carried out at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer, as a result of which a polymer solution is obtained. This solution is flashed in order to separate the polymer from the unreacted monomer and the solvent. The solvent is then recovered and recycled in the process.

Preferably the solution polymerization process is a high temperature solution polymerization process, using a polymerization temperature of higher than 100° C. Preferably the polymerization temperature is at least 110° C., more preferably at least 150° C. The polymerization temperature can be up to 250° C.

The pressure in such a solution polymerization process is preferably in a range of 10 to 100 bar, preferably 15 to 100 bar and more preferably 20 to 100 bar.

The liquid hydrocarbon solvent used is preferably a C₅₋₁₂-hydrocarbon which may be unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl group such as pentane, methyl pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and hydrogenated naphtha. More preferably unsubstituted C₆-C₁₀-hydrocarbon solvents are used.

A known solution technology suitable for the process according to the invention is the COMPACT, respectively Borceed™ technology.

Blend (A)

The blend used in the polypropylene composition of the present invention comprises, 60.0 to 96.0 wt % of component (a), i.e. the propylene terpolymer as defined above and thus 4.0 to 40.0 wt % of component (b), i.e. the ethylene based plastomer as defined above.

Preferably component (a), i.e. the propylene terpolymer, is present in the blend in an amount of from 65.0 to 95.0 wt %, more preferably in an amount of from 70.0 to 94.0 wt % and even more preferably in an amount of from 75.0 to 92.0 wt %.

Thus component (b), i.e. the ethylene based plastomer is preferably present in the blend in an amount of from 5.0 to 35.0 wt %, more preferably in an amount of from 6.0 to 30.0 wt % and even more preferably in an amount of from 8.0 to 25.0 wt %.

Blends suitable for the present invention can be produced by dry-blending/mixing of the blend partners or by melt mixing of the melt partners.

The blend can be produced by any suitable melt mixing process at temperatures above the melting point of the respective blend. Typical devices for performing said melt mixing process are twin screw extruders, single screw extruders optionally combined with static mixers, chamber kneaders like Farrel kneaders, Banbury type mixers and reciprocating co-kneaders like Buss co-kneaders. Preferably, the melt mixing process is carried out in a twin screw extruder with high intensity mixing segments and preferably at a temperature of 170° C. to 270° C., more preferably of 180° C. to 250° C.

It is also possible to produce the blend of the present invention by dry-blending in a suitable mixing equipment, like horizontal and vertical agitated chambers, tumbling vessels, and Turbula mixers, as long as sufficient homogeneity is obtained.

Polypropylene Composition

The polypropylene composition of the present invention comprises the above defined blend (A) of component (a) and component (b) and may optionally contain one or more additives in a total amount of from 0.0 up to 5.0 wt %, based on the composition, selected from the group comprising slip agents, anti-block agents, UV stabilizers, acid scavengers, anti-oxidants, alpha and/or beta nucleating agents, antistatic agents, etc.

Such additives are commonly known to an art skilled person.

Slip agents are also commonly known in the art. Slip agents migrate to the surface and act as lubricants polymer to polymer and polymer against metal rollers, giving reduced coefficient of friction (CoF) as a result. Examples are fatty acid amids, like erucamides (CAS No. 112-84-5), oleamides (CAS No. 301-02-0) or stearamide (CAS No. 124-26-5).

Examples of antioxidants which are commonly used in the art, are sterically hindered phenols (such as CAS No. 6683-19-8, also sold as Irganox 1010 FF™ by BASF), phosphorous based antioxidants (such as CAS No. 31570-04-4, also sold as Hostanox PAR 24 (FF)™ by Clariant, or Irgafos 168 (FF)™ by BASF), sulphur based antioxidants (such as CAS No. 693-36-7, sold as Irganox PS-802 FL™ by BASF), nitrogen-based antioxidants (such as 4,4′-bis(1,1′-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine), or antioxidant blends.

Acid scavengers are also commonly known in the art. Examples are calcium stearates, sodium stearates, zinc stearates, magnesium and zinc oxides, synthetic hydrotalcite (e.g. SHT, CAS-no. 11097-59-9), lactates and lactylates, as well as calcium stearate (CAS 1592-23-0) and zinc stearate (CAS 557-05-1);

Common antiblocking agents are natural silica such as diatomaceous earth (such as CAS-no. 60676-86-0 (SuperfFloss™), CAS-no. 60676-86-0 (SuperFloss E™), or CAS-no. 60676-86-0 (Celite 499™)), synthetic silica (such as CAS-no. 7631-86-9, CAS-no. 7631-86-9, CASno. 7631-86-9, CAS-no. 7631-86-9, CAS-no. 7631-86-9, CAS-no. 7631-86-9, CAS-no. 112926-00-8, CAS-no. 7631-86-9, or CAS-no. 7631-86-9), silicates (such as aluminium silicate (Kaolin) CAS-no. 1318-74-7, sodium aluminum silicate CAS-no. 1344-00-9, calcined kaolin CAS-no. 92704-41-1, aluminum silicate CAS-no. 1327-36-2, or calcium silicate CAS-no. 1344-95-2), synthetic zeolites (such as sodium calcium aluminosilicate hydrate CAS-no. 1344-01-0, CAS-no. 1344-01-0, or sodium calcium aluminosilicate, hydrate CAS-no. 1344-01-0)

Suitable UV-stabilisers are, for example, Bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-sebacate (CAS 52829-07-9, Tinuvin 770); 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxy-benzophenone (CAS 1843-05-6, Chimassorb 81)

Alpha nucleating agents like sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1); 1,3:2,4-bis(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol (CAS 135861-56-2, Millad 3988).

Suitable antistatic agents are, for example, glycerol esters (CAS No. 97593-29-8) or ethoxylated amines (CAS No. 71786-60-2 or 61791-31-9) or ethoxylated amides (CAS No. 204-393-1).

Usually these additives are added in quantities of 100-2.000 ppm for each single component.

The optional additives are either added during blending component (a) and component (b) or are already added to component (a) and/or (b) during their production, i.e. during pelletization.

The polypropylene composition has an MFR₂ (2.16 kg, 230° C.) in the range of 1.0 to 10.0 g/10 min, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 8.0 g/10 min, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 5.0 g/10 min like in the range of 1.7 to 4.0 g/10 min.

The polypropylene composition has a melting temperature (Tm) equal or higher than 125° C., preferably equal or higher than 130° C. More preferably the melting temperature is in the range of 130° C. to 140° C.

Alternatively the polypropylene composition has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) content measured according to ISO 6427 of below 35.0 wt %, more preferably of below 30.0 wt %, even more preferably of below 25.0 wt %, like below 20.0 wt %.

In an embodiment the present invention is also related to a process for the preparation of the polypropylene composition as define above, the process comprising the steps of (i) preparing component (a), i.e. the propylene terpolymer by polymerizing propylene, ethylene and a C₄ to C₁₀α-olefin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst,

(ii) mixing said propylene terpolymer (a) with an ethylene based plastomer (b), optionally in the presence of one or more additives, to obtain a mixture of components (a) and (b), and

(iii) extruding said mixture to obtain the polypropylene composition comprising the blend (A) of component (a) and (b).

Use

The present invention is not only directed to the instant polypropylene composition but also the use of the polypropylene composition for preparing articles and the articles comprising the polypropylene composition.

Suitable articles are films for flexible packaging systems, such as bags or pouches for food and pharmaceutical packaging or medical articles in general.

In an embodiment the present invention is related to an article, the article being an unoriented mono-layer film comprising the inventive polypropylene composition. Accordingly the present invention is also directed to an article, the article being an unoriented mono-layer film, like cast film or blown film, e.g. air cooled blown film, comprising at least 90 wt %, preferably comprising at least 95 wt %, yet more preferably comprising at least 99 wt %, of the instant polypropylene composition.

The above described composition is suitable for the production of blown films as well as cast films.

Description of Film Production by Blown Film Technology

The above described composition is capable of being manufactured into water or air quench blown films, preferably air quenched blown films, on typical polyethylene blown film production equipment.

In principle the process comprising the steps of

(i) blowing up a tube of molten material with air perpendicularly to the upwards direction from a side-fed blown film die;

(ii) cooling it down with water contact cooling ring or air quench;

(iii) folding it and guiding it over deflector rolls onto the winder In the blown film process the polypropylene composition melt is extruded through an annular die and blown into a tubular film by forming a bubble which is collapsed between nip rollers after solidification. The blown extrusion can be preferably effected at a temperature in the range 160° C. to 240° C., and cooled by water or preferably by blowing gas (generally air) at a temperature of 10° C. to 50° C. to provide a frost line height of 0.5 to 8 times the diameter of the die. The blow up ratio should generally be in the range of from 1.5 to 4, such as from 2 to 4, preferably 2.5 to 3.5.

Description of film production by cast film technology In this most simple technology for producing polymer films, the molten blend is extruded through a slot die fed by a (normally single-screw) extruder onto a first cooled roll, the socalled chill-roll. From this roll, the already solidified film is taken up by a second roll (nip roll or take-up roll) and transported to a winding device after trimming the edges. Only a very limited amount of orientation is created in the film, which is determined by the ratio between die thickness and film thickness or the extrusion speed and the take-up speed, respectively. Due to its technical simplicity, cast film technology is a very economical and easy-to-handle process. The films resulting from this technology are characterised by good transparency and rather isotropic mechanical properties (limited stiffness, high toughness).

Summing up the process comprises the steps of

i) pouring or spreading a solution, hot-melt or dispersion of a material onto a temporary carrier

ii) hardening the material, and

iii) stripping the hardened film from the surface of the carrier.

In case a film is produced by cast film technology the molten polypropylene composition is extruded through a slot extrusion die onto a chill roll to cool the polypropylene composition to a solid film. Typically the polypropylene composition is firstly compressed and liquefied in an extruder, it being possible for any additives to be already added to the polypropylene composition or introduced at this stage via a masterbatch. The melt is then forced through a flat-film die (slot die), and the extruded film is taken off on one or more take-off rolls, during which it cools and solidifies. It has proven particularly favorable to keep the take-off roll or rolls, by means of which the extruded film is cooled and solidified, at a temperature from 10° C. to 50° C., preferably from 15° C. to 40° C.

Mono-layer films having a thickness of 5 to 300 μm, preferably 10 to 200 μm, more preferably 20 to 150 μm are suitable according to the present invention.

It has been found that such polypropylene composition according to the present invention provides the film material made thereof with a combination of low sealing initiation temperature (SIT), high hot-tack and beneficial optical properties, i.e. low haze.

It has been further found that such polypropylene composition according to the present invention provides the film material made thereof with sufficient thermal stability to enable sterilization treatment.

Thus films, respectively articles according to the present invention comprising the above defined polypropylene composition are suitable for being sterilized.

Therefore the present invention is also directed to a sterilizable or sterilized article, preferably to a sterilizable or sterilized film, like a sterilizable or sterilized film.

In a further aspect the present invention is related to the use of the mono-layer films according to the invention for lamination films or multilayer films for packaging films and medical/hygienic films, wherein the mono-layer films according to the invention comprise at least one layer.

As alternative in one further aspect the present invention is related to the use of the monolayer films according to the invention as sealing layer in a polypropylene multi-layer film, which can be manufactured either by co-extrusion or lamination.

Further, the invention is also directed to a multi-layer film construction, comprising an unoriented mono-layer film as defined above as an outermost layer, i.e as sealing layer.

For being able to serve as a sealing layer in a multi-layer film construction, such an unoriented mono-layer film comprising the inventive polypropylene composition shall preferably have a sealing initiation temperature (SIT) in the range of from 90° C. to 110° C., more preferably in the range of from 95° C. to 110° C., even more preferably in the range of from 98° C. to 110° C. and yet more preferably in the range of from 100° C. to 110° C. like in the range of from 100° C. to 108° C.

Unoriented mono-layer films comprising the polypropylene composition of the present invention have a hot-tack force in the range of from 2.8 to 7.0 N (measured on a 50 μm blown film). The hot-tack force of the polypropylene composition containing films is measured according to the method description explained in the Examples section of this document.

It is preferred that the hot-tack force measured on a 50 μm blown film is in the range of from 3.0 to 6.5 N, more preferably in the range of from 3.2 to 6.0 N and even more preferably in the range of from 3.4 to 5.5 N.

A suitable lower limit is 2.8 N, preferably 3.0 N, more preferably 3.2 N and even more preferably 3.4 N.

Furthermore such an unoriented film comprising the inventive polypropylene composition shall preferably have a haze determined on 50 μm blown film of below 30.0%, preferably of below 25.0% more preferably of below 22.0%.

In addition such unoriented film comprising the inventive polypropylene composition shall preferably have a dart-drop strength (DDI), measured using ASTM D1709, method A on 50 μm blown film of at least 100 g, more preferably of at least 200 g, yet more preferably of at least 300 g, even more preferably of at least 400 g, like at least 500 g or at least 600 g. Most preferably the DDI is at least 700 g.

A suitable upper limit is 1500 g or even higher.

The tensile modulus in machine (MD) direction (determined acc. to ISO 527-3 on blown films with a thickness of 50 μm) of such unoriented film comprising the inventive polypropylene composition shall preferably be at least 200 MPa, more preferably at least 250 MPA, yet more preferably at least 300 MPa and even more preferably at least 350 MPa.

A suitable upper limit is 1000 MPa.

Viewed from another aspect, it is a constant need to provide compositions, which not only show improvements in one or two of these mechanical or optical properties. So it is desired to provide products with a well-balanced and continuously improved overall performance.

Such an improvement in the overall performance can be expressed by the optomechanical ability:

Optomechanical ability (OMA) is understood as the ratio of mechanical (especially dart-drop strength (DDI) and tensile (MD)) behaviour, to optical performance, namely haze, wherein the mechanical properties are targeted to be as high as possible and the optical performance in the sense of haze is desired to be as low as possible.

The optomechanical ability can be determined by multiplying Tensile Modulus (MD) and dart-drop strength (DDI) and putting this product in relation to haze determined on 50 μm blown film.

The optomechanical ability is determined according the formula given below:

${OMA} = \frac{{Tensile}\mspace{14mu} {{{Modulus}({MD})}\lbrack{MPa}\rbrack}*{{DDI}(g)}}{{{Haze}\left( {50\mspace{14mu} {µm}} \right)}\lbrack\%\rbrack}$

Thus in one embodiment of the present invention, the optomechanical ability of the inventive propylene composition determined on 50 μm blown film is at least 5500 [MPa*g/%] or higher, such as 6000 [MPa*g/%], 7000 [MPa*g/%] or 8000[MPa*g/%] or even higher.

A multi-layer film construction comprising at least one layer comprising the inventive polypropylene composition is preferably produced by a lamination process or by multi-layer co-extrusion followed by film casting or film blowing. In this case, at least one of the outermost layers of said multi-layer film construction serving as sealing layer(s) shall comprise the inventive polypropylene composition as defined above. The inventive multilayer film construction shall preferably have a thickness in the range of 30 to 500 μm, more preferably in the range of 50 to 400 μm, like in the range of 60 to 300 μm. The sealing layer(s) comprising the inventive polypropylene composition shall preferably have a thickness in the range of 3 to 50 μm, more preferably in the range of 5 to 30 μm, like in the range of 8 to 25 μm.

Films and/or multi-layer film constructions according to the present invention shall preferably be used for flexible packaging systems, such as bags or pouches for food and pharmaceutical packaging or medical articles in general.

Methods

The xylene soluble fraction at room temperature (XCS, wt %): The amount of the polymer soluble in xylene is determined at 25° C. according to ISO 16152; 2005

Melt Flow Rate (MFR)

The melt flow rate of the propylene terpolymer is measured at 230° C. with a load of 2.16 kg (MFR230/2.16) according to ISO 1133

The melt flow rates of ethylene based plastomer is measured at 190° C. with a load of 2.16 kg (MFR190/2.16) according to ISO 1133

The melt flow rate of the polypropylene composition is measured at 230° C. with a load of 2.16 kg (MFR230/2.16) according to ISO 1133

Density

The density is measured according to ISO 1183D. The samples preparation is carried out by compression moulding according to ISO 1872-2:2007.

Comonomer Content

Quantitative nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to quantify the comonomer content of the polymers.

Comonomer Content Quantification of Poly(Propylene-Co-Ethylene) Copolymers

Quantitative ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra were recorded in the solution-state using a Bruker Advance III 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 and 100.62 MHz for ¹H and ¹³C respectively. All spectra were recorded using a ¹³C optimized 10 mm extended temperature probe head at 125° C. using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was dissolved in 3 ml of 1,2-tetrachloroethane-d₂ (TCE-d₂) along with chromium-(III)-acetylacetonate (Cr(acac)₃) resulting in a 65 mM solution of relaxation agent in solvent {8}. To ensure a homogenous solution, after initial sample preparation in a heat block, the NMR tube was further heated in a rotatory oven for at least 1 hour. Upon insertion into the magnet the tube was spun at 10 Hz. This setup was chosen primarily for the high resolution and quantitatively needed for accurate ethylene content quantification. Standard single-pulse excitation was employed without NOE, using an optimized tip angle, 1 s recycle delay and a bi-level WALTZ16 decoupling scheme {3, 4}. A total of 6144 (6 k) transients were acquired per spectra. Quantitative ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated and relevant quantitative properties determined from the integrals using proprietary computer programs. All chemical shifts were indirectly referenced to the central methylene group of the ethylene block (EEE) at 30.00 ppm using the chemical shift of the solvent. This approach allowed comparable referencing even when this structural unit was not present. Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of ethylene were observed {7}.

The comonomer fraction was quantified using the method of Wang et. al. {6} through integration of multiple signals across the whole spectral region in the ¹³C{¹H} spectra. This method was chosen for its robust nature and ability to account for the presence of regio-defects when needed. Integral regions were slightly adjusted to increase applicability across the whole range of encountered comonomer contents.

For systems where only isolated ethylene in PPEPP sequences was observed the method of Wang et al. was modified to reduce the influence of non-zero integrals of sites that are known to not be present. This approach reduced the overestimation of ethylene content for such systems and was achieved by reduction of the number of sites used to determine the absolute ethylene content to:

E=0.5(Sββ+Sβγ+Sβδ+0.5(Sαβ+Sαγ))

Through the use of this set of sites the corresponding integral equation becomes:

E=0.5(I _(H) +I _(G)+0.5(I _(C) +I _(D)))

using the same notation used in the article of Wang et al. {6}. Equations used for absolute propylene content were not modified.

The mole percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction:

E[mol %]=100*fE

The weight percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fraction:

E[wt %]=100*(fE*28.06)/((fE*28.06)+((1−fE)*42.08))

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

-   1- Busico, V., Cipullo, R., Prog. Polym. Sci. 26 (2001) 443. -   2- Busico, V., Cipullo, R., Monaco, G., Vacatello, M., Segre, A. L.,     Macromoleucles 30 (1997) 6251. -   3- Zhou, Z., Kuemmerle, R., Qiu, X., Redwine, D., Cong, R., Taha,     A., Baugh, D. Winniford, B., J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225. -   4- Busico, V., Carbonniere, P., Cipullo, R., Pellecchia, R., Severn,     J., Talarico, G., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128. -   5- Resconi, L., Cavallo, L., Fait, A., Piemontesi, F., Chem. Rev.     2000, 100, 1253. -   6- Wang, W-J., Zhu, S., Macromolecules 33 (2000), 1157. -   7- Cheng, H. N., Macromolecules 17 (1984), 1950. -   8- Singh, G., Kothari, A., Gupta, V., Polymer Testing 28 5 (2009),     475. -   9- Kakugo, M., Naito, Y., Mizunuma, K., Miyatake, T. Macromolecules     15 (1982) 1150. -   10- Randall, J. Macromol. Sci., Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys. 1989,     C29, 201. -   11- Resconi, L., Cavallo, L., Fait, A., Piemontesi, F., Chem. Rev.     2000, 100, 1253.

Comonomer Content Poly(Propylene-Co-Ethylene-Co-Butene)

Quantitative ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra recorded in the molten-state using a Bruker Advance III 500 NMR spectrometer operating at 500.13 and 125.76 MHz for ¹H and ¹³C respectively. All spectra were recorded using a ¹³C optimised 7 mm magic-angle spinning (MAS) probe head at 180° C. using nitrogen gas for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was packed into a 7 mm outer diameter zirconia MAS rotor and spun at 4.5 kHz. This setup was chosen primarily for the high sensitivity needed for rapid identification and accurate quantification{1, 2, 6} Standard single-pulse excitation was employed utilising the NOE at short recycle delays{3, 1} and the RS-HEPT decoupling scheme{4, 5}. A total of 1024 (1 k) transients were acquired per spectra.

Quantitative ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectra were processed, integrated and relevant quantitative properties determined from the integrals. All chemical shifts are internally referenced to the methyl isotactic pentad (mmmm) at 21.85 ppm.

Characteristic signals corresponding to regio defects were not observed {11}. The amount of propene was quantified based on the main Sαα methylene sites at 44.1 ppm:

Ptotal=I _(Sαα).

Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of 1-butene were observed and the comonomer content quantified in the following way. The amount isolated 1-butene incorporated in PPBPP sequences was quantified using the integral of the αB2 sites at 44.1 ppm accounting for the number of reporting sites per comonomer:

B=I _(αB2)/2

The amount consecutively incorporated 1-butene in PPBBPP sequences was quantified using the integral of the ααB2 site at 40.5 ppm accounting for the number of reporting sites per comonomer:

BB=2*I _(ααB2)

The total 1-butene content was calculated based on the sum of isolated and consecutively incorporated 1-butene:

Btotal=B+BB

The total mole fraction of 1-butene in the polymer was then calculated as:

fB=(Btotal/(Etotal+Ptotal+Btotal)

Characteristic signals corresponding to the incorporation of ethylene were observed and the comonomer content quantified in the following way. The amount isolated ethylene incorporated in PPEPP sequences was quantified using the integral of the Sαγ sites at 37.9 ppm accounting for the number of reporting sites per comonomer:

E=I _(Sαγ)/2

With no sites indicative of consecutive incorporation observed the total ethylene comonomer content was calculated solely on this quantity:

Etotal=E

The total mole fraction of ethylene in the polymer was then calculated as:

fE=(Etotal/(Etotal+Ptotal+Btotal)

The mole percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fractions:

B[mol %]=100*fB

E[mol %]=100*fE

The weight percent comonomer incorporation was calculated from the mole fractions:

B[wt %]=100*(fB*56.11)/((fE*28.05)+(fB*56.11)+((1−(fE+fB))*42.08))

E[wt %]=100*(fE*28.05)/((fE*28.05)+(fB*56.11)+((1−(fE+fB))*42.08))

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

-   1- Klimke, K., Parkinson, M., Piel, C., Kaminsky, W., Spiess, H. W.,     Wilhelm, M., Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2006; 207:382. -   2- Parkinson, M., Klimke, K., Spiess, H. W., Wilhelm, M., Macromol.     Chem. Phys. 2007; 208:2128. -   3- Pollard, M., Klimke, K., Graf, R., Spiess, H. W., Wilhelm, M.,     Sperber, O., Piel, C., Kaminsky, W., Macromolecules 2004; 37:813. -   4- Filip, X., Tripon, C., Filip, C., J. Mag. Resn. 2005, 176, 239. -   5-Griffin, J. M., Tripon, C., Samoson, A., Filip, C., and Brown, S.     P., Mag. Res. in Chem. 2007 45, Si, S198. -   6- Castignolles, P., Graf, R., Parkinson, M., Wilhelm, M.,     Gaborieau, M., Polymer 50 (2009) 2373. -   7- Busico, V., Cipullo, R., Prog. Polym. Sci. 26 (2001) 443. -   8- Busico, V., Cipullo, R., Monaco, G., Vacatello, M., Segre, A. L.,     Macromoleucles 30 (1997) 6251. -   9-Zhou, Z., Kuemmerle, R., Qiu, X., Redwine, D., Cong, R., Taha, A.,     Baugh, D. Winniford, B., J. Mag. Reson. 187 (2007) 225. -   10- Busico, V., Carbonniere, P., Cipullo, R., Pellecchia, R.,     Severn, J., Talarico, G., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2007, 28, 1128. -   11- Resconi, L., Cavallo, L., Fait, A., Piemontesi, F., Chem. Rev.     2000, 100, 1253.

DSC Analysis, Melting Temperature (Tm) and Crystallization Temperature (Tc):

measured with a TA Instrument Q2000 differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on 5 to 7 mg samples. DSC is run according to ISO 11357/part 3/method C2 in a heat/cool/heat cycle with a scan rate of 10° C./min in the temperature range of −30° C. to +225° C.

Crystallization temperature and heat of crystallization (Hc) are determined from the cooling step, while melting temperature and heat of fusion (Hf) are determined from the second heating step.

Blown Films

Blown films were made on a Collin blown film line.

This line has a screw diameter of 30 millimeters (mm), L/D of 30, a die diameter of 60 mm, a die gap of 1.5 mm and a duo-lip cooling ring. The film samples were produced at 190° C. with an average thickness of 50 μm, with a 2.5 blow-up-ratio and an output rate of about 8 kilograms per hour (kg/h).

Haze was determined according to ASTM D1003-00 on the blown films of 50 μm thickness.

Hot-Tack Force

The hot-tack force was determined according to ASTM F1921-12—Method B on a J&B Hot-Tack Tester on a 50 μm thickness film produced on a monolayer blown film line. All film test specimens were prepared in standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing at 23° C. (±2° C.) and 50% (±10%) relative humidity.

The minimum conditioning time of test specimen in standard atmosphere before start testing is at least 16 h. The minimum storage time between extrusion of film sample and start testing is at least 88 h.

The hot tack measurement determines the strength of heat seals formed in the films, immediately after the seal has been made and before it cools to ambient temperature. The hot-tack measurement was performed under the following conditions.

Film Specimen width: 25.4 mm.

Seal bar length: 50 mm

Seal bar width: 5 mm

Seal bar shape: flat

Seal Pressure: 0.3 N/mm².

Seal Time: 0.5 sec.

Cool time: 99 sec.

Peel Speed: 200 mm/sec.

Start temperature: 90° C.

End temperature: 140° C.

Increments: 10° C.

The hot-tack force was measured as a function of temperature within the temperature range and with temperature increments as indicated above. The number of test specimens was at least 3 specimens per temperature. The output of this method is a hot tack curve; a force vs. temperature curve.

The hot tack force (HTF) is evaluated from the curve as the highest force (maximum peak value) with failure mode “peel”.

Sealing Initiation Temperature (SIT); Sealing End Temperature (SET), Sealing Range:

The method determines the sealing temperature range (sealing range) of polypropylene films, in particular blown films or cast films according to ASTM F1921—12. Seal pressure, cool time and peel speed are modified as stated below.

The sealing temperature range is the temperature range, in which the films can be sealed according to conditions given below.

The lower limit (heat sealing initiation temperature (SIT)) is the sealing temperature at which a sealing strength of >5 N is achieved. The upper limit (sealing end temperature (SET)) is reached, when the films stick to the sealing device.

The sealing range is determined on a J&B Universal Sealing Machine Type 3000 with a blown film of 50 μm thickness with the following further parameters: Specimen width: 25.4 mm

Seal Pressure: 0.1 N/mm²

Seal Time: 0.1 sec

Cool time: 99 sec

Peel Speed: 10 mm/sec

Start temperature: 80° C.

End temperature: 150° C.

Increments: 10° C.

Specimen is sealed A to A at each sealbar temperature and seal strength (force) is determined at each step.

The temperature is determined at which the seal strength reaches 5 N.

Tensile Modulus

Tensile moduli in machine (MD) direction were determined acc. to ISO 527-3 on blown films with a thickness of 50 μm at a cross head speed of 100 mm/min.

Dart Drop Strength (DDI)

Dart-drop is measured using ASTM D1709, method A (Alternative Testing Technique) from the film samples. A dart with a 38 mm diameter hemispherical head is dropped from a height of 0.66 m onto a film clamped over a hole. Successive sets of twenty specimens are tested. One weight is used for each set and the weight is increased (or decreased) from set to set by uniform increments. The weight resulting in failure of 50% of the specimens is calculated and reported.

Optomechanical Ability

Optomechanical ability (OMA) is understood as the ratio of mechanical (especially impact and flexural) behaviour, to optical performance, namely haze, wherein the mechanical properties are targeted to be as high as possible and the optical performance is desired to be as low as possible.

The optomechanical ability is determined according the formula given below:

${OMA} = \frac{{Tensile}\mspace{14mu} {{{Modulus}({MD})}\lbrack{MPa}\rbrack}*{{DDI}(g)}}{{{Haze}\left( {50\mspace{14mu} {µm}} \right)}\lbrack\%\rbrack}$

EXAMPLES

Component (a):

Propylene-ethylene-1-butene terpolymer for the Inventive Examples (IE) and the comparative examples (CE1 to CE3) was made in a Borstar PP pilot plant in the slurry loop reactor only with an upstream prepolymerization step.

The gas phase reactor (GPR) was used as high pressure (HP) flash with pressure of 1700 kPa and bed level of 70 cm. 35 kg/h propylene flush was used to keep the direct feed line open between the loop and GPR.

The catalyst used was Avant ZN180M, provided by LyondelBasell. Cocatalyst was TEAL and the external donor was Donor D

Table 1 shows the polymerization data for the Propylene-ethylene-1-butene terpolymer.

TABLE 1 unit Prepolymerization Temperature [° C.] 20 Pressure [kPa] 5146 Catalyst feed [g/h] 1.3 Donor D feed [g/t C₃] 40.2 TEAL feed [g/t C₃] 169.6 Al/donor [mol/mol] 8.4 Al/Ti [mol/mol] 202.6 Residence time [h] 0.4 C3 feed [kg/h] 63.1 H2 feed [g/h] 0.98 Production rate [kg/h] 0.9 Loop Temperature [° C.] 63 Pressure [kPa] 5125 C3 feed [kg/h] 148.3 C4 feed [kg/h] 45.2 H2 feed [g/h] 4.5 C2 feed (kg/h) [kg/h] 1.4 Feed H2/C3 ratio [mol/kmol] 0.6 Feed C2/C3 ratio [mol/kmol] 14.5 Feed C4/C3 ratio [mol/kmol] 228.9 Production rate [kg/h] 32.4 Catalyst productivity after loop [kg/g] 25.3 Catalyst activity in loop [kg/g * h] 84.5 Polymer residence time [h] 0.9 MFR₂ [g/10 min] 2.0 Total C2 [wt %] 1.6 Total C4 [wt %] 7.1 GPR Temperature [° C.] 75 Pressure [kPa] 1697 Bed level [cm] 68

The so obtained terpolymer was melt blended with the below cited additives on a co-rotating twin screw extruder type Coperion ZSK 40 (screw diameter 40 mm, L/D ratio 38) at temperatures in the range of 170-190° C., using a high intensity mixing screw configuration with two sets of kneading blocks.

The terpolymer thus contained 500 ppm of Irganox 1010 (Pentaerythrityl-tetrakis(3-(3′,5′-di-tert. butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate, CAS No. 6683-19-8), 500 ppm of Irgafos 168 (Tris (2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite, CAS No. 31570-04-4) and 400 ppm of Calcium stearate (CAS. No. 1592-23-0) as additives.

The terpolymer data described in Table 2 are measured on the pellets obtained after melt blending as described above.

TABLE 2 properties of component (a), i.e. propylene-ethylene-1-butene terpolymer Property unit Total C2 [wt %] 1.6 Total C4 [wt %] 7.1 MFR₂ [g/10 min] 2.0 Tm [° C.] 135 XCS [wt %] 10.7 Tc [° C.] 94.2

Component (b): Ethylene Based Plastomer

As component (b) the following plastomers were used:

For inventive Example IE1+IE2:

-   (b-1): Engage™ 8150, ethylene-octene copolymer, MFR(190/2.16) of 0.5     g/10 min, density 0.868 g/cm³, melting point: 55° C.

For inventive Example IE3:

-   (b-4): Queo™ 8203, ethylene-octene copolymer, MFR(190/2.16) of 3     g/10 min, density 0.883 g/cm³, melting point: 74° C., produced in a     solution polymerization process using a metallocene catalyst.

For comparative Examples

-   (b-2): Queo™ 8230, ethylene-octene copolymer, MFR(190/2.16) of 30     g/10 min, density 0.883 g/cm³, melting point: 76° C., produced in a     solution polymerization process using a metallocene catalyst. -   (b-3): Queo™ 0230, ethylene-octene copolymer, MFR(190/2.16) of 30     g/10 min, density 0.902 g/cm³, melting point: 97° C., produced in a     solution polymerization process using a metallocene catalyst.

Queo™ grades are commercially available from Borealis.

Engage™ grades are commercially available from DOW Elastomers.

Polypropylene Composition

Component (a), i.e. the terpolymer and component (b) were directly dry blended on the Collin blown film line and 50 μm blown films were produced with the set-up as described in the method part.

In Table 3 the compositions (IE1, IE2, IE3 and CE1, CE2 and CE3) and their properties are shown:

TABLE 3 Example unit IE1 IE2 IE3 CE1 CE2 CE3 Component (a) [wt %] 90 80 90 90 90 100 Component (b-1) [wt %] 10 20 0 0 0 0 Component (b-2) [wt %] 0 0 0 10 0 0 Component (b-3) [wt %] 0 0 0 0 10 0 Component (b-4) [wt %] 0 0 10 0 0 0 Composition properties MFR₂ [g/10 min] 1.9 1.7 2.2 2.8 2.8 2.0 Tm [° C.] 134.1 134.0 134.0 134.0 133.7 135.1 XCS [wt %] 19 28.6 19 19 19 10.7 Blown film properties DDI [g] 1000 1268 543 97 71 71 Tensile Modulus (MD) [MPa] 387 431 558 438 500 598 Hot-tack force [N] 3.5 2.8 4.1 5.04 3.99 2.52 Hot-tack temperature [° C.] 98 96 110 98 103 113 SIT [° C.] 106 105 108 105 107 114 Haze [%] 20.0 24.0 22 8.45 8.6 19.6 OMA [MPa*g/%] 19350 24841 13772 5028 4128 2166 n.d. not determined

As can be seen from Table 3 the stiffness/impact balance has dramatically improved for the inventive example, while keeping SIT low and high tack force high. Also the optomechanical ability (OMA) has dramatically improved for the inventive example. 

1. A polypropylene composition comprising (A) a blend of (a) 60.0 to 96.0 wt %, based on the blend, of a propylene terpolymer comprising (i) ethylene-derived comonomer units in an amount of from 0.3 to 4.0 wt % and (ii) comonomer units derived from a C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin in an amount of from 4.0 to 16.0 wt %, whereby the terpolymer has an MFR₂ (230° C., 2.16 kg, ISO1133) in a range of 0.5 to 20.0 g/10 min and (b) 4.0 to 40.0 wt %, based on the blend, of an ethylene based plastomer having a density according to ISO 1183 of from 0.850 g/cm³ to 0.900 g/cm³ and an MFR₂ according to ISO 1133 (190° C.; 2.16 kg) in the range of 0.1 to below 5.0 g/10 min, and (B) optional one or more additives in a total amount of from 0.0 up to 5.0 wt %, based on the polypropylene composition, selected from the group consisting of slip agents, anti-block agents, UV stabilizers, alpha and/or beta nucleating agents, antistatic agents, and antioxidants.
 2. The polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the propylene terpolymer has a melting temperature Tm measured via DSC according to ISO 11357 of equal or higher than 130° C.
 3. The polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the propylene terpolymer has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) amount in the range of 3.0 to below 20.0 wt % (measured according to ISO 16152, 2005, at 25° C.).
 4. The polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the ethylene based plastomer has an MFR₂ according to ISO 1133 (190° C.; 2.16 kg) in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 g/10 min.
 5. The polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the polypropylene composition has a xylene cold soluble (XCS) amount below 35.0 wt % (measured according to ISO 16152, 2005, at 25° C.).
 6. A process for the preparation of the polypropylene composition according to claim 1, the process comprising the steps of (i) preparing the propylene terpolymer by polymerizing propylene, ethylene and a C₄ to C₁₀ α-olefin in the presence of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, (ii) mixing said propylene terpolymer with the ethylene based plastomer, optionally in the presence of one or more additives, to obtain a mixture of the propylene terpolymer and the ethylene based plastomer, and (iii) extruding said mixture, to obtain the polypropylene composition comprising the blend (A) of the propylene terpolymer and the ethylene based plastomer.
 7. A method comprising producing articles with the polypropylene composition according to claim
 1. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the articles are sterilizable articles.
 9. An article comprising the polypropylene composition according to claim
 1. 10. The article according to claim 9, wherein the article is an unoriented film comprising more than 90% of the polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the unoriented film is a cast film or a blown film.
 11. The article according to claim 10, wherein the unoriented film has a sealing initiation temperature in the range of from 95° C. to 110° C.
 12. The article according to claim 10, wherein the unoriented film has a haze according to ASTM D1003-00 determined on 50 μm blown film of below 25.0%.
 13. The article according to claim 10, wherein the unoriented film has a hot-tack force determined on 50 μm blown film in the range of from 2.8 to 7.0 N.
 14. The article according to claim 10, wherein the unoriented film has a Dart Drop Impact according to ASTM D1709, method A of at least 100 g.
 15. A sealing layer in a multi-layer film, the sealing layer comprising an unoriented film comprising more than 90% of the polypropylene composition according to claim 1, wherein the unoriented film is a cast film or a blown film. 